Free Family-Fun Activities in Springfield, MO

Springfield, Mo offers some great sightseeing opportunities, many of which are free of admission. These locations are not only fun to visit, it is also a good way to teach children about culture and history, while you're spending quality time together as a family.

Sweet tooth fans and children of all ages will love Richardson's Candy House, 3857 S. Campbell in the Parkcrest Shopping Center, www.candyhouse.net. Open all year from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday-Saturdays, and noon-6pm, Sundays, you will learn all there is to know about hand-dipped chocolate from watching the exciting candy-making action. Live candy-makers will whip up your favorite goodies like fudge, peanut brittle, English toffee, caramel pecan treats, and caramel nut corn right before your eyes! There is a wide assortment of gourmet foods and coffees in the gift shop too.

For nature lovers, there is the Springfield Nature Center, 4600 S. Chrisman Ave, (417-888-4237). Open all year from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, 8:00 am-9:00 p.m., March-October, it's a beautiful scenic place for a family hike. Choose from 3 miles of hiking trails, or enjoy a nature exhibit indoors. Free conservation educational activities are available for all ages, and you can purchase hunting and fishing permits here too. Also, the nature-related gift shop and free conservation brochures are on hand. The Nature Center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

The Gray/Campbell Farmstead at Nathaniel Green Park, 2400 S. Scenic, is open April-September, weakens only from 1:00 p.m.- 4: 30 p.m.. Once the home of John Polk Campbell, nephew and namesake of the founder of Springfield, MO. Costumed guides will take you through this exciting journey through time on this farmstead where you'll see the 1856 house, detached log kitchen, log granary, two crib barns, and the family cemetery. History buffs will love it!

Founder's Park, 330 E Water, takes you through a history of Springfield that goes back 100 years. The historic mural and displays are a feast for the eyes. On occasion, the outdoor amphitheater has exciting live performances and even shows movies. For more information, log on to www.parkboard.org.

See the graves of heroes from every war in the Springfield National Cemetery. Hundreds of Civil War soldiers rest here,many of them killed at the Battle of Pea Ridge, Wilson's Creek, and the Battle of Springfield. Such notable heroes as William Freeman, a Revolutionary War soldier, and five medal of honor recipients, with headstones engraved in gold. You will also see special monuments erected to commemorate Civil War Heroes, including a monument of one of Missouri's most respectable sculptures. It was erected in 1901 to honor the state's Confederate soldiers and their leader, General Sterling Price.

Art Lovers in the family will love to visit the Springfield Art Museum, 111 East Brookside Drive, (417-837-5700). The Art museum is open every day except Monday, with varying hours. It is the city's oldest cultural institution, with history going all the way back to 1926, when it was first formed by a small art study club. Browse through beautiful exhibits, including sculptures, paintings, and outdoor public art.

Springfield is a great place to visit for many reasons. It offers great shopping, lodging, and a host of fun activities that are fun as well as either free or modestly priced. Take a look the next time you travel through. You'll be glad you did.